Why helmet speakers?
Helmet speakers are a popular audio solution for motorcycle riders, snowmobilers, snowboarders, and others for whom conventional earbuds are not practical to use. Earbuds and helmets do not, generally speaking, get along. Putting aside the fact that wearing earbuds while operating a vehicle is illegal in many areas because they block environmental sound, pulling a helmet on over earbuds without ripping them out of the ear is not easy.
Once on the road, the volume levels necessary to make music audible can cause permanent hearing loss, since earbuds rest very close to the delicate eardrum. Additionally, because earbuds occlude the ear canal, they can cause pain, discomfort, and mechanical overheating in the ear when worn for more than a couple of hours at a time. Lastly, wires hanging loose from the helmet can interfere with freedom of movement and might attract unwanted attention from traffic police.
Helmet speakers, on the other hand, are optimized acoustically and ergonomically for helmets, making them a comfortable and convenient alternative to earbuds for helmet-bound music lovers. Because they do not occlude the ear canal, helmet speakers are more comfortable than earbuds, and will not overheat the ear. Some helmet speakers feature specially designed wiring that runs behind the head so it can be tucked into the helmet lining; they also plug into your device using a detachable extension to make removing your helmet while leaving the speakers inside easier. Many states that ban earbuds while riding have no such restrictions for helmet speakers since they do not completely block environmental sound, allowing riders to maintain situational awareness. When paired with earplugs, high-quality helmet speakers are a safer way to listen to music while on the go.
